Is Shellbark Hickory toxic to cats?

No — shellbark hickory is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Shellbark hickory belongs to the Carya genus, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (shagbark hickory is individually confirmed non-toxic), so the tree and foliage are not a poisoning hazard. The very large nuts are not a safe pet treat, though: they can grow aflatoxin and tremorgenic moulds (causing vomiting, tremors or seizures), pose a serious choking or blockage risk given their size and hard shells, and are high in fat (pancreatitis risk). Remove fallen nuts.

Yes — the ASPCA lists shellbark hickory as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shellbark Hickory is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full shellbark hickory pet-safety guide for both species.

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.